DBX580 vs DBXAFS2-V — Compare
dbx 580 Mic Preamp - 500 Series vs dbx AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor with Full LCD Display
The dbx 580 is a warm-colored mic preamp for tracking and capturing instrument detail, while the dbx AFS2 is a surgical feedback suppressor for live and studio mixing. Choose the 580 if you're recording sources; choose the AFS2 if you're managing feedback on stage or in a live mixing chain.
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dbx AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor with Full LCD Display
Specs side by side
| dbx 580 Mic Preamp - 500 Series | dbx AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor with Full LCD Display | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $395.00 | $485.00 |
| Brand | DBX | DBX |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose dbx 580 Mic Preamp - 500 Series
- ✓ Warm, musicality-focused tone ideal for vocals and instruments
- ✓ Up to 60dB gain with 20dB pad handles hot sources cleanly
- ✓ Variable Low-Cut Filter and presence-focused EQ for shaping tone
- ✓ Compact single 500 Series slot for integrated rack workflow
Why choose dbx AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor with Full LCD Display
- ✓ 24 filters per channel with extremely tight Qs (down to 1/80 octave) for surgical feedback control
- ✓ Application-specific filter presets for speech, music low/medium/high eliminate guesswork
- ✓ Dual-channel processing handles stereo feeds or two independent sources
- ✓ Full LCD display and 24 LEDs per channel provide real-time visual feedback
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 580 for live sound?
The 580 is optimized for tracking and recording rather than live mixing. It's a preamp for capturing sources, not for managing feedback in a live mixing chain.
What does the AFS2 do—can it improve my tone or add presence?
No. The AFS2 is purely a feedback suppressor; it removes problematic frequencies but doesn't add warmth, presence, or tone shaping like a preamp does. It's transparent processing for problem-solving.
Which one works in a 500 Series rack?
Only the dbx 580 is designed for 500 Series integration as a single-slot module. The AFS2 is a standalone 2U desktop or rack-mount unit with rear-panel XLR and 1/4" I/O.
Do I need both?
Possibly. A studio setup might use the 580 for tracking sources, then the AFS2 later in a mixing chain if feedback becomes a live issue. They serve different purposes in your signal flow.